What Does a Software Developer Do?

Most software developers fall into two major groups—applications and systems developers—with each of them performing similar tasks but focusing on a different aspect of development.

Applications software developers, as the name implies, design applications or create databases or programs for use internally or online. Typically specializing in a single area of application development such as mobile phones, they design, create, test, program and update applications or games for use by consumers or specific customers. Their responsibilities include understanding their clients’ requirements and specifications, writing code to develop the application, creating prototypes, testing the app before it’s launched and debugging the app as errors are encountered.

Systems software developers are focused on creating the operating systems for consumers or for a specific organization to use. Operating systems keep computers functioning and can be found in most of the consumer electronics we use today. This includes systems in mobile phones and automobiles. Systems software developers often build the interfaces that allow users to interact with computers.

The job duties of a software developer typically include tasks such as overseeing software programming, testing software at various phases of completion, laying out software design, building models or diagrams to communicate the end goal and mapping out future software upgrades.

Software developers are usually further along in their career than software programmers, and depending on the company, work somewhere between management and execution. They are less likely to be involved in the actual day-to-day programming of the software, especially at larger companies, but they do review code for errors and find places where it could be improved. Usually, they begin their career as a software programmer and rise to the level of a developer.

Once a piece of software has been deployed, the job of a developer is still not finished. At this point, they will continue to monitor for bugs and issues that are uncovered by users. If a bug is found, they work with a smaller team of programmers to correct the issues and release software updates that resolve the problems. They will also release updates that change the design and functionality of the software in the event that its User Interface (UI) becomes dated or the objective of the software changes.

The software developer’s toolbox should include a medley of technical skills in programming, testing, debugging and database systems. These skills are acquired and nurtured through degree programs, certification courses and hands-on experience:

While technical skills, or hard skills, are essential for software developers, it’s important to hone your soft skills as well. Here are a few that you may find particularly helpful as you pursue various roles in this field:

If you want to prepare to pursue a career as a software developer, there’s no time like the present to begin planning your career journey.

While there’s no singular route to becoming a software developer, there are a few things you can do to help get yourself started:  

Choosing a career path can be difficult, but an important thing to remember is that each journey begins with a single step. There are many positions you can pursue within this broad industry, which gives you a great opportunity to find your own niche. Aspiring developers who’ve earned our online Undergraduate Certificate in Software Design and Solutions may consider such careers as:

The next step in your journey will be to earn a degree or certificate in software development. At DeVry, we offer online and hybrid-format certificate and degree programs using our tech-infused, experiential learning approach to help you prepare to pursue a career as a software developer and take on the challenges of the modern workplace.

Don’t want to wait to show a credential on your resume? Some of our programs are designed to stack into the next level. For example, every credit you earn in our Online Undergraduate Certificate in Software Design and Solutions can be applied toward our Computer Information Systems bachelor’s degree with a specialization in Software Programming, or our bachelor’s degree in Software Development with a specialization in Software Design and Programming.²  This means you can pursue your certificate now, and apply your applicable credits towards one of our related bachelor’s programs when you’re ready to take the next step. 

As you complete your education and prepare to pursue jobs in software development, consider earning industry-recognized certifications to help verify your skills. Ranging from entry-level and intermediate to advanced (which may require considerable work experience), certifications can help give you more of a competitive advantage over other job candidates or help position you to advance within your current organization. A partial list of software developer certifications includes:

The final step in this journey is to begin applying for software developer jobs. Before submitting your first application, take the time to develop tools—like a compelling resume and a strong LinkedIn profile—that will help share your story with potential employers. If you’ve developed a website or app that can show off your capabilities, consider including it in an online portfolio.

Job listings for software developers can be found on employment websites and industry job boards. When submitting your applications, keep in mind that your resume and cover letters are likely to get screened by an Applicant Tracking System before going to a hiring manager or recruiter, so be sure to use keywords that are based on the employer’s job description in both your resume and your letter.

If you are a student or member of our DeVry University Alumni Association, our Career Services team can help you identify and pursue career goals, understand the essentials of a job search and develop your personal brand, along with a variety of other benefits including: